Fibrous
mineral formerly used in insulation, fire and sound proofing, as
well as in paint and joint compounds.

Inhalation
of asbestos fibres or dust can cause asbestosis, a fatal lung
disease, or cancer of the lungs, stomach and chest.

Your home may contain asbestos if it was built or
renovated between the 1920s and the 1970s. Asbestos material in good
condition is not necessarily harmful and may be left in place if
sealed. If it is damaged or releasing dust, it must be removed. Your
local authority environmental health department will advise you

Sealing or removal of some types of asbestos material
must, by law, be undertaken by a professional contractor licensed by
the Health and Safety Executive. Consult your local Environmental
Health Officer for advice.

Combustion gases

Gaseous
by-products of fuel-burning appliances, such as carbon monoxide or
dioxide.

Build-up
can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

Gas appliances, such as boilers, wood-burning stoves
and gas cookers can all discharge excessive gas if malfunctioning.
Check the pilot light and burner flames on your cooker : they should
be blue, not yellow. Have boilers and appliances inspected
regularly.

Clean chimneys annually. Purchase a ventilation hood
for your gas cooker that expels gas outside; hood fans are
ineffective, since they re-circulate gaseous air. Alternatively,
ventilate the kitchen when cooking. Never use a gas oven for
household heating.

Formaldehyde

Common gas
present in resins of most chipboard, plywood and wood panelling;
insulation; adhesives of carpeting and wallpaper; permanent-press
clothing; toothpaste.

Can cause
chronic respiratory problems, dizziness, rashes, nausea and
lethargy, and asthma attacks. Has been linked to nasal cancer in
animals. Generally, levels in homes are harmless, except to a small
number of people sensitive to the gas.

Highest
levels of gas are emitted when products are new, so newer homes are
more likely to be contaminated. Contact your local authority
environmental health department or a public analyst if you are
concerned about levels in your home.

Keep your
home well ventilated. If tests show high levels, apply epoxy sealer
to chipboard, fibreboard and plywood. Houseplants may absorb
formaldehyde. Ask for low-formaldehyde or formaldehyde-free wood and
adhesives.

Radon

Radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rocks;
radon passes through spots directly accessible to soil, such as
waste pipes or cracks in the foundation and basement floor. It may
also be present in tap water.

Inhaled
radon is a major cause of lung cancer; it has been estimated that
radon may be a factor in between 2 to 6 percent of lung cancer
deaths annually. The danger of radon is greatly compounded by
smoking.

According
to estimates, 20,000 to 90,000 homes in the UK have radon levels
that exceed the government's Action Level. Most of these are in
Devon, Cornwall, and parts of Somerset, Derbyshire and
Northamptonshire. If you are concerned that you might live in a
high-radon area, write to the Radon Survey, national Radiological
Protection Board ( NRPB ), Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ, and they
will send you a questionnaire, then a testing kit if appropriate

If the
radon in your home exceeds the government's Action Level, consult
your local authority environmental health department, or the
Building Research Station, Bucknalls Lane, Garston, Watford WD1 1LA
for advice on how to reduce it.

Water
contamination

Millions
of Britons drink water containing small amounts of lead from local
or household pipes. Pesticide residues, carcinogenic by-products of
chlorine and other carcinogens are also present in much of the water
supply. Well water may be tainted with bacteria.

It is
unclear whether or not small amounts of lead have adverse health
effects, particularly in young children; but in light of the
uncertainty, it is prudent to reduce exposure to a minimum. Other
contaminants may cause cancer. Bacteria can cause intestinal
problems and other illnesses.

Your water
supply company or local authority -- or a public analyst or health
laboratory services -- can all test your tap water, although a
charge may be levied.

Running
cold water from taps for three minutes each morning will help to
flush out lead. Since lead is more soluble in hot water, use cold
tap water for cooking. A water purifier can eliminate much of the
lead and some other contaminants. Consider installing new, non-lead
pipes. Have your well-inspected for a cracked lining if you have
harmful water bacteria.